WEST MICHIGAN — Over the past 48 hours firefighters across West Michigan have been keeping busy.
Whether it’s spending hours on the highways to help with accidents or battling a fire, working in weather conditions like this defiantly adds another kind of challenge for crews.
While the causes of the fires lately are still unclear, the U.S. Fire Administration says house fires occur most often in the winter months.
In fact statistics show 905 people die in winter home fires nationwide every year, the causes ranging from everything to cooking and un-safe heating practices.
Grand Rapids Battalion Chief, Kevin Sehlmeyer has been on the job for 28 winters and says the environment during the winter months definitely adds another dynamic to their job. But there are some things you can do to help crews, for instance if you live near a fire hydrant try to keep snow clear from piling up around it.
You can also help by following the odd/even parking rules during the winter moths. Although you may hear it over and over again to keep the streets clear of cars for plow drivers, it can also help in an emergency as crews navigate the roads.
For more information on how you can help keep you and your family safe during the winter: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/winter.shtm
